The God of Discipline

Does anyone like disciplining their kids? I could happily have gone my whole life without ever having to do that. Before our first was born, we agreed that we would not punish mistakes but only willful disobedience, only when they knew exactly what they ought to do and refused to do it. And that’s all they did! If you don’t nip that in the bud, you can’t take your kids out in public. Undisciplined children become adults no one wants to be around, not even their cell mates.

We do not punish our children because we enjoy it; we discipline our children for their own good. God also disciplines his people for their good.

In Amos 4, after recounting more of Israel’s sins, God says this:

“I gave you empty stomachs in every city
   and lack of bread in every town,
   yet you have not returned to me,”
      declares the LORD. (4:6)

He also says he sent them drought and blight, plagues and invaders. And,

“I overthrew some of you
   as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
You were like a burning stick snatched from the fire,
   yet you have not returned to me,”
       declares the LORD.

“Therefore this is what I will do to you, O Israel,
   and because I will do this to you, O Israel,
   prepare to meet your God.” (4:11-12)

And though he seems quite done with them, he still comes back to this:

Seek good, not evil,
   that you may live.
Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you,
   just as you say he is.
Hate evil, love good;
   maintain justice in the courts.
Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy
   on the remnant of Joseph. (5:14-15)

Our God is not eager to punish. His punishment is intended to bring us to repentance. And even when it seems like it’s too late, he still says there’s time to repent, there’s hope for mercy.

We must not accept our culture’s caricature of the angry God who just wants to smite people. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus is the God who said, “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign LORD. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ez 18:23).

Yes, eventually he will judge. The time comes when justice must be done. But he so often seems to hold off on that moment as long as possible. He’s like that parent who counts, “One, two ... two and a half ... two and three quarters ...” But eventually he gets to three.

What about my life? Is hardship in my life a sign of God’s discipline? Not necessarily. But it might be. The smart thing to do would be to take a hard look at myself and see if there is a sin I need to turn from. It’s better to get your act together at “one”.

Let’s be grateful for the discipline of a loving Father and remember that he does it for our own good.

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline,
   and do not resent his rebuke,
because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
   as a father the son he delights in. (Prov 3:11-12)

See also:
Wrath and Repentance

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